Mediterranean Cruise - Day 5 - Wednesday, May 2

We arrive this morning in our second Croatian Destination of Dubrovnik. Today we breakfasted at the Lido Buffet or some enjoyed in room dining.  We gathered at 8:45 to disembark from the ship and meet our guide for the day, Magda at dock and onward to the City of Dubrovnik. 

Our coach first deposited us at Dubrovnick’s ancient walled city entrance and began our tour.  Parts of the area stretched back to the 6th century AD. There was a steep staircase leading up to the perimeter castle walls, and with the exception of one member, we all began the ascent.   Comments as we climbed were varied, but generally, cleaned up to mean that we were in worse shape than imagined.  Once reaching the “summit” we walked Castle walls enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding port and looking down at all contained within the city walls.  There were two additional points at which members of the group could opt to descend or continue.   In the end, 5 of the group made the entire circuit. After final descent, we had free time to rest and refresh with a glass of wine, beer, or iced tea, accompanied by the usual French fries or ever popular gelato. 

We hopped back on the bus for the 35 minute ride to the countryside surrounding Dubrovnick for a visit to a Miln (Mill) where we learn how grain was milled and wool was felted into waterproof cloth using water power, as practised for centuries before advent of electricity and the industrial revolution.  We were also treated to some candied lemon and orange peel slices, some apple cider or heady grappa (wine brandy that is very potent and delicious.)

Again a strenuous day, loggng over 6 miles on foot for most of the crew. We returned to the good ship Oosterdam around 4:30. Following group cocktails either in our rooms or one of the bars, we moved on to dinner, two groups opt for Italian dinner at Canaletto dinning room.  Following the meal we then explore and into bed by 12:00.

Mediterranean Cruise - Day 4 - Tuesday, May 1

We Arrive today at the Port of Split, Croatia. All of our crew opts for the huge buffet breakfast in Lido Deck, good food with the normal overpowering choice of selections, and very crowded this first day.  We find a corner table where the bulk of our troupe shuffles in and out as we eat and head back to clean up for the day.

 At 8:45 we head out to the dock for first day’s tour in and around Split, Croatia.  On all our shore tours, the group drops to 11 from our total of 15.  Jan & Larry Rupert and Becky and Rick Utz generally take a shorter tour, usually closer to base, avoiding the more strenuous excursions. Our guide for the day is Neno, a friendly and knowledgeable young man with the gift of gab and a fun sense of humour. As all of our tours are separate from the ones offered by the cruise line, and all include our own smaller coach, we are able to avoid the large 45 passenger coaches and the waiting for stragglers that are common on cruise land excursions.  We first motor to the town of Salona for tour of Castle ruins; this includes plenty of rough steps and climbing.  This particular site was included in the filming of Game of Thrones; as one who has never watched the series, I am unable to tell you which season or episodes it was a part of, but there are some in our group that were familiar. The views from the top of the ruins, situated at the top of a large hill (small mountain) were stunning.

Our next stop was Trogire, a seaside medieval town north of Split. Beautiful winding streets and ancient walls.  Unfortunately, another lovely village turned into a mini-Disneyland. 

Leaving Trogire, we motor back into Split and tour of the city centre and the old palace.The old palace is a fascinating area covering the large area facing the port of Split.  This 40,000 population city on the west coast of Croatia is a frequent summer destination popular with Croatians, Italians, and others throughout eastern and Southern Europe. We were treated to a wonderful tonal concert in the center of the palace, special enough that Deb bought a CD with the intention of providing copies to those who wished one.

Returning to the ship, we all rested from a strenuous day and then proceeded to our evening meal again in Dining Room. Following dinner, some went directly to bed, others listened to Piano Quintet and classical music or partook of gambling in Casino.